The Washington Capitals have clarified an email sent on Thursday that mistakenly claimed the 2025-26 season would be legendary forward Alex Ovechkin's final NHL season. In a statement posted on X, the Capitals emphasized that "no decision" has been reached regarding Ovechkin's career beyond the upcoming season, labeling the email from a corporate sales team member as erroneous for referring to the 2025-26 season as Ovechkin's last.

The email in question was directed at season ticket holders and stated, "OCTOBER – the start of Capitals hockey and Alex Ovechkin's FINAL NHL SEASON." As the all-time leading scorer in Capitals history, Ovechkin has made a significant impact on the franchise since being selected first overall in the 2004 NHL Draft. Now 40 years old, Ovechkin holds the NHL record for career goals, surpassing Wayne Gretzky’s previous mark of 894 goals with an impressive total of 897 goals this season.

Ovechkin's storied career includes a multitude of achievements, such as being a 13-time NHL All-Star and winning the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy nine times as the league's leading goal scorer. He also captured the Art Ross Trophy, the Hart Memorial Trophy three times, and was awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 2006. Notably, he led the Capitals to their only Stanley Cup championship in 2018, earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. In addition, Ovechkin has consistently performed in the postseason with 147 points over 161 playoff games, demonstrating his ability to shine on the biggest stage. With the Capitals displaying promise during the last season, as evidenced by their 111 points and a strong performance in the Eastern Conference, Ovechkin’s upcoming contract year leaves room for speculation about his future, particularly given his successful return to form this past season after a dip in production.